Here’s another amusing site about capybaras, filled with the usual inaccuracies. To fully appreciate it, you should follow the link at the end to compare the size of a capybara with various other rodents, such as chipmunks. The graphic comparison may not work as intended, but it is quite entertaining.
I captured the “photos” to give this the appearance of a coloring book page. That seems to match the accuracy level of this type of article. Firstly, it’s clear they’re not “pig-shaped.” How offensive.
People unfamiliar with capybaras often can’t believe they lack a tail.
Here’s a quote directly from the article:
Capybaras have a height of 20”-24” (51-61 cm), body length ranging between 42”-53” (107-135 cm), and an overall weight between 77-146 lb (35-66 kg). In the wild, they typically live 7-10 years, extending to 10-15 years in captivity.
Let’s begin with the measurements. You should see this—Melanie measured Caplin herself. The article seemed rather optimistic about the body length but was perhaps a bit stingy on the height. Caplin was of average size for a capybara, and Melanie’s measurements are more detailed.
This is how you color a capybara! Why stick with brown?
Scientific studies suggest that the weight of mature capybaras varies from 84 to 136 pounds (38 to 62 kg). One study mentions an average of 48.9 kg (108 pounds). Hibby reached 136, being tall yet slender. Thus, their weights aren’t far off, though slightly exaggerated on both ends.
Isn’t it a rodent? Doesn’t that mean it should have a tail?
There’s considerable debate around lifespan. The most reliable study* I’ve located shows that in the wild, capybaras usually live for three to four years, assuming they survive their first year, a period with about a 50% loss rate. Occasionally, you may find five-year-olds in large herds, six years if you’re lucky. Seven-year-olds are extremely rare but possible. Eight-year-olds are almost unheard of. Zoo environments estimate a lifespan of ten to twelve years in captivity. One breeder mentioned reaching fifteen to eighteen years with some, highlighting the differences based on perspective.
*Sorry, it’s not freely available online. I own the book.
Capybaras often have a pig-like nose even when artists get the “tail” correct.
So, in essence, how large are capybaras? Hibby was truly huge!
As big as a boxcar!
This is quite accurate, at the height of sniffing a crotch like a big dog. I stopped wearing skirts because Hibby kept pushing his head under them.
The article runs out of capybara-specific content, ending with some generic information on rodents and pest control.
To have some fun with their rodent size comparison generator and get ready for a giggle, follow the link (and scroll down).
